Black Sesame Steamed Bun
This was inspired by tang yuan a dessert served especially during Chinese New Year. This bun requires a simple list of ingredients and some dedicated time. But your efforts will be rewarded with a white fluffy bun with a sweet black sesame filling.
Disclosure
The equipment and ingredients sections contain affiliate links to products I love to use as well as items that I personally believe make this recipe the best version of itself.
Ingredients
Black Sesame Filling
- 40 grams black sesame seeds, roasted (⅓ cup)
- 40 grams sugar (¼ cup)
- 30 grams melted butter (2 tbsp)
- 5 pieces pecans (optional)
Bun Dough
- 1 gram baking powder (¼ teaspoon)
- 1 gram instant yeast (¼ teaspoon)
- 120 grams all-purpose flour (1 cup)
- 20 grams sugar (2 tbsp)
- 80 grams warm water (⅓ cup)
Instructions
Make Filling
- In a grinder, pulse sugar, nuts, and black sesame seed for 20 seconds
- Put the ground mixture in a bowl
- Add melted butter, then mix until well incorporated
- Let sit in the refrigerator to cool for 30 minutes
- After 30 minutes, form balls weighing between 14-18 grams (should make about 6), put the balls back in the fridge to rest
Make Dough
- Put dry ingredients in bowl and mix
- Add warm water, a little at a time until small clumps form
- Keep pressing clumps of dough together until a big ball forms and flour no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl; add more water as needed
- Put dough ball on a flat surface and knead nonstop for 8 minutes
- After 8 minutes, roll out the dough into a log and cut into 6 individual pieces weight about 35 grams
- Make into small round balls and set aside under cling wrap or damp tea towel
Make the Bun
- Take dough and flatten by using rolling pin, then roll out the edges while keeping the center thicker than the outside edges
- Take a black sesame filling and place it on the center of the dough
- Wrap the dough around the filling and close by twisting off a piece dough at the closure
- Place the bun on a square piece of parchment paper
- Repeat the wrapping steps 5 more times
- Place the buns in a steamer and cover, then proof for 40 minutes
Steam Buns
- Fill a pot with water and bring to a boil
- Place the steamer of buns on top of boiling water
- Steam for 5 minutes
- Remove from heat and place on counter to let rest for 2 minutes
- Enjoy!